South African-born Devon Conway struck 41 on debut as New Zealand beat the West Indies by five-wickets in a rain-affected first T20I in Auckland on Friday.
Tim Southee won the toss for the Black Caps and decided to bowl first but two rain interruptions meant each innings was reduced to only 16 overs a side.
A brilliant 75 off 37 deliveries by West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard saw the visitors post a pretty good total of 180-7 in their stint with Lockie Ferguson the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5-21 in his four overs.
But, despite some early wickets in the New Zealand innings, Conway showed his first glimpse on the international stage.
READ: Pretorius ruled out of England tour
The left-hander hit five fours and one six in his 29-ball innings before departing to a Pollard delivery after bringing the home side back into the contest.
What a finish to the first international of the season! Santner and Neesham with a top closing partnership. Highlights|https://t.co/jRVPglfns1 #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/YCOyIVPqAW
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 27, 2020
Jimmy Neesham and Mitchel Santer, though, combined at the crease and went on the attack to chase down the target set by the West Indies.
Neesham made 48 off 24 balls, while Santer struck the winning runs in the final over with a massive six as he finished unbeaten on 31 from 18.
